Question
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes…
John 16:5-15
Key Verse 13a
Read verses 5-7. Where is Jesus going to go? (5) Why did none of disciples ask Jesus about his departure? (6) Why is Jesus’ departure for the good of his disciples? (7)
Read verses 8-11. What will the Counselor do when he comes? (8) What does it mean he will convict the world in regard to sin? (9) In regard to righteousness? (10) In regard to judgment? (11)
Read verses 12-13. Why did Jesus not say anything more to his disciples? (12) What would the Spirit of truth do when he comes? (13a) On whose behalf and what will the Spirit of truth speak? (13b)
Read verses 14-15. How will the Spirit bring glory to Jesus? (14) What is the purpose of the work of the Spirit? (14) Why does Jesus say ‘All that belongs to the Father is mine’? (15)
Manuscript
Message
When He, the Spirit of Truth, Comes…
John 16:5-15
Key Verse 16:18
When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment
In this passage, Jesus explains to his disciples why it was better for them for him to leave them. This passage is relevant to us because Jesus is not with us in physical form. May God help us to understand and accept this message.
Look at verse 5: “Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
It seems strange that Jesus said to his disciples that none of them asks him where he is going. In John 13:36, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?” At that time, Jesus answered Peter, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." Jesus didn't really answer Peter's question. The fact is that Jesus' disciples didn't understand what Jesus was talking about. In John 14:2-4, Jesus told his disciples: "In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
Based on what Jesus said here, it seems that the disciples should have a pretty good idea of where Jesus was going. Jesus clearly said he was going to his Father’s house. Jesus also said, “You know the way to the place where I am going.”
And yet, the disciples seemed not to know. Thomas answered Jesus in John 14:5: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Why were the disciples having such a hard time understanding Jesus? Most likely it was not that they were incapable of understanding Jesus, but rather they were too overwhelmed with emotions to process what Jesus was saying.
Look at verse 6: “Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief.”
Not only was Jesus saying that he was going to leave them and that they could not follow him, but he had also told them that they would suffer persecutions; he had even said that one of them would betray him. And all of this happened in the same night. The disciples had come to dinner with Jesus expecting a joyful, relaxing time of fellowship, but the evening turned out to be far heavier than that.
It seems that by the time we reach today’s passage, John 16, the disciples had become quiet. They no longed asked Jesus, “Where are you going?” The reason they didn’t ask questions was not because they understood everything; it was because they were too upset to ask any questions.
Look at verse 7: But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
Jesus comforted his disciples by telling them that it is for their own good that he was going away. They didn’t feel like it was a good thing. But it was necessary for Jesus to go away so that the Counselor could come to them. If Jesus went back to the Father, he would send the Counselor to them. Who is the Counselor? It is the Holy Spirit.
This raises two questions: First, why was it better that the Counselor be with them than Jesus in person? Second, why does Jesus refer to the Holy Spirit as the Counselor?
Most likely, the answer to these two questions is closely related. Let’s think about the meaning of “Counselor.” A counselor is someone who gives counsel, or advice, in order to help those who are being counseled to make better choices. Up until this point, Jesus had been their counselor. He had guided them personally, showing them what to do and how to do it. How, then, could the Holy Spirit be a better counselor for them than Jesus in person? For one thing, while Jesus was limited in his physical body and could only give counsel to his disciples when they were physically present, the Holy Spirit would be with them wherever they went. Second, even when Jesus was with them, they often had a hard time understanding Jesus. The Holy Spirit, however, could help them to understand things that they couldn’t comprehend through ordinary speech.
What, specifically, does the Counselor do? Jesus explains in verse 8: When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
Jesus says that the Counselor comes, he will convict the world of guilt.
This doesn’t seem like a very comforting message. Indeed, what comfort should the disciples take in the knowledge that the Counselor would convict the world of guilt? The fact is that this message was probably not that meaningful to the disciples at that very moment. They were too overcome with grief to think about the world. But a time would come when they would remember these words and understand what Jesus was saying and why it was better for them that Jesus went away and sent the Counselor to them.
The work of the Counselor to convict the world of guilt is closely related to the mission of Jesus’ disciples to preach the gospel to all nations. The hardest part about preaching the gospel is probably breaking through people’s hardened hearts. Many people have little or no sense that they are sinners; they do not see a need for salvation. What good is the gospel message to people who have no sense of guilt? This is where the Holy Spirit comes into the picture. The fact is that it is not the powerful words of the disciples that convict people of sin--it is the Holy Spirit that does this work. Of course, the Holy Spirit will work with the disciples, guiding them in what to say and how to say it. But the real work is the work of the Spirit.
How does the Spirit convict people of guilt? Does the Spirit remind them of the time they said something unkind to their friend? No. That’s not the kind of guilt the Holy Spirit convicts the world of--the conviction of the Holy Spirit is much more than merely reminding people of the bad things they have done. Jesus says the Spirit will convict the world of sin in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.
Jesus explains what this means a little more in verses 9-11:
9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
First, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin because men do not believe in Jesus. It isn’t a list of bad things, but it is the sin of unbelief. Normally, we would expect that people who don’t believe in Jesus will not have conviction of sin, but it seems that the opposite is true: it is people who do not believe that the Holy Spirit targets for conviction. When someone doesn’t believe even after hearing the gospel message, we might think that person will never be changed. But that person is actually in the perfect situation to be convicted of guilt by the Holy Spirit.
Second, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to righteousness because Jesus went to the Father. Here, the focus is not on a person’s sin, but on Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus is the only one who lived a truly righteous life; he is the only one who is righteous enough to go to the Father. No one except Jesus can see the Father because only Jesus is truly righteous. The Holy Spirit convicts us of guilt by opening our eyes to Jesus’ righteousness. When we compare ourselves to others, we might feel better than some; but when we see Jesus’ righteousness, we must confess our guilt before God.
Third, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to judgement because the prince of this world now stands condemned. This final component of the conviction of the Holy Spirit has to do with decision and consequence. If anyone loves this world more than God, they are in danger of judgement along with the prince of this world, Satan. Satan is already condemned; he is already declared guilty and sentenced to a terrible judgement. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of guilt in regard to judgement, we fear God and choose to stand on God’s side.
All of this was difficult for Jesus’ disciples to understand at this point. Look at verses 12-13:
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Another benefit of the Holy Spirit coming to them would be that they could understand a lot of things they couldn’t understand at that point. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth”. The Spirit of truth would guide them into all truth. The Spirit would provide a direct link between them and God so that they would be able to understand the spiritual world. It’s not that they would suddenly know everything, but the Spirit would “guide” them into all truth as they faithfully depended on God.
Ultimately, what is the work of the Holy Spirit? Look at verses 14-15:
14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring glory to Jesus by taking from what belongs to Jesus and making it known to them.
How can we apply this message? First, we can realize that the most difficult parts of a disciples’ life are actually handled by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit does the work of conviction; the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. As we learn to depend on the Holy Spirit, Jesus will be glorified through us. Second, even though we are weak and easily overcome by emotion, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us, to counsel us, and to guide is into all truth. May God help us to follow the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit each and every day.
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Biblenote
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes
John 16:5-15
Key Verse 13a
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
Through Chapter 13-17, Jesus has been revealing deep truth of God to his disciples. Due to imminent departure, his disciples were filled with grief and He was trying to comfort them in every possible way. In this passage, we will focus on the work of the Holy Spirit. (1) Benefit of receiving the Holy Spirit; (2) Convicting work of the Holy Spirit; (3) Purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit.
1. Read verses 5-7. Where is Jesus going to go? (5) Why did none of disciples ask Jesus about his departure? (6) Why is Jesus’ departure for the good of his disciples? (7)
5 “Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief.
7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
1-1> Where is Jesus going to go? (5)
(1) To the Father who sent Jesus. The fact that the Father sent Jesus is important. The Father who sent Jesus is the only true God.
John 17:2 “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
1-2> Why did none of disciples ask Jesus about his departure? (6)
(1) Because Disciples focused on themselves instead of Jesus. (Jn 14:28)
They were so fully occupied about themselves that they did not even care to ask
what Jesus’ departure meant to Him.
They only care what his departure meant to them: no security of their future.
(2) Because they were filled with grief. (v6)
The disciples could only see their sorrow from Jesus leaving; they were filled with grief. (V6)
but Jesus’ departure was an essential step in their growth as disciples.
1-3> Why is Jesus’ departure for the good of his disciples? (7)
(1) Jesus can send the Counselor. The Counselor is; i) helper (Jn 14:16, 26; 15:26) paracl‘tos; ii) Defense lawyer for the believers: advocate; (v7); iii) Prosecutor to the world. (V8-11) The Spirit came from both the Father and the Son. (Jn 14:26)
(2) Because when Jesus go away, He accomplished the salvation history.
His death opens the way for forgiveness of our sins.
His resurrection opens the way for eternal life.
His ascension opens the way for us to come to the Father; His kingdom.
(3) Because when Jesus goes away, the counselor will come to disciples.
Jesus’ physical body could be in only one place at one time.
Some would be overjoyed due to His immediate presence.
But for most believers, Jesus was not with them.
The Holy Spirit is not limited by time and space (place).
It was better because Jesus can be with every believer all the time through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ ministry was limited to primarily Israel.
The Holy Spirit will expand the ministry to the whole world.
Truly, Jesus’ going away was good for disciples and for us.
2. Read verses 8-11. What will the Counselor do when he comes? (8) What does it mean he will convict the world in regard to sin? (9) In regard to righteousness? (10) In regard to judgment? (11)
8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me;
10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;
11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
2-1> What will the Counselor do when he comes? (8)
(1) Convict the world. The word ‘convict’ is a legal term used in the court room to sentence the verdict.
The Counselor convict men and condemn them to hell. This is an objective condemnation.
Another meaning of ‘convict’ is to convince men that they need Jesus. He makes you aware of your sins. It is subjective realization of guilt.
(2) The Counselor will convict men by awakening their conscience to three things; sin, righteousness and Judgment. Men did not know the true meaning of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The world cannot understand sin, righteousness and judgment apart from the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit of truth can reveal what is true meaning of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
(3) The Work of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit
God the Father is the judge.
God the Son, Jesus is the executor of judgment.
God the Holy Spirit will pass the sentence to all of those who reject Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit will show people the Sin of unbelief in Jesus.
The Holy Spirit will show people the righteousness of Jesus
The Holy Spirit will show people that Satan and anybody rebellious to
God will be damned.
2-2> What does it mean he will convict the world in regard to sin? (9)
The Holy Spirit convicts the world (men and us) that they (and we) are sinners because of unbelief in Jesus. No one in the world can reveal that unbelief in Jesus is sin.
People’s heart will be open by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
They will come to Jesus and receive Him as Savior.
The sin is unbelief in the work and person of Jesus. (Jn 3:16-21, 8:24)
Those who reject Jesus are sinner who cannot be good, holy, pure and true.
2-3> In regard to righteousness? (10)
The Holy Spirit will convict the world of righteousness.
Righteousness is right relationship with God.
Righteousness tells us what is right and what is wrong.
Jesus is going to the Father means Jesus is the only way to God the Father.
Jesus is righteous because no one can enter into God’s presence without being perfectly righteous.
No one can be right with God except Jesus who is right with God.
When we believe in Jesus, His righteousness is imputed to us.
We can enter into God’s presence as perfectly righteous as Jesus.
2-4> In regard to judgment? (11)
The prince of this world is Satan.
Satan was judged on the cross. Only the Spirit reveals the truth about judgment against the Satan. The world would not know it in their human wisdom.
Satan’s judgment is the guarantee of judgment for every sinner who ever lives.
Every man, every angel that ever attached himself to Satan will be judged.
Satan is already defeated foe although he still has a power in the lives of unbelievers. (Eph 2;2, 1 Jn 5:19)
3. Read verses 12-13. Why did Jesus not say anything more to His disciples? (12) What would the Spirit of truth do when he comes? (13a) On whose behalf and what will the Spirit of truth speak? (13b)
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.
15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
3-1> Why did Jesus not say anything more to his disciples? (12)
Disciples are not able to understand what Jesus wanted to say to them at that time.
There is God’s time that we can understand God’s truth.
We should not be upset or puzzled when young believers or we do not understand the truth of God.
There will be a time that they can understand the truth of God in His time.
Some of the things they could not understand were
Christ’s suffering
Christ’s resurrection
The Purpose of Salvation
The world mission of the church
3-2> What would the Spirit of truth do when he comes? (13a)
(1) He will guide disciples into all truth.
At that time, disciples were not ready to understand/accept the truth,
The Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth.
This refers primarily to the inspiration of the authors of NT Scriptures.
(2) All truth;
It is not truth about science, medicines, mechanics, business or accounting.
All truth is necessary for the perfecting of believers
All truth means necessary truth for believers to be complete, perfect, thoroughly equipped to do good work.
All truth is the truth necessary for salvation and Christian living and Christ like living.
(3) The Holy Spirit continues to lead us into all truth.
Although we have a human bible teacher, ultimate teacher is the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our illuminator. He is the truth teacher. He teaches the word of God to us.
No believers can claim that he does not have a teacher to lead him to truth.
3-3> On whose behalf and what will the Spirit of truth speak? (13b)
(1) The Holy Spirit speaks only what He hears.
The guidance of the Holy Spirit is consistent with God and Christ.
Because he is speaking the word of God.
He always leads us consistently with the word of God.
Jesus wanted his disciples to know this so that they can trust the Holy Spirit.
They did not fully know the work of the Holy Spirit yet.
(2) The Holy Spirit will tell disciples about the future, which was recorded in New Testament.
Past: The Holy Spirit will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jn 14:26)
Present: The Spirit of truth will testify about me and guide you to all truth (Jn 15:26)
Future: the Holy Spirit will tell you what is yet to come. (Jn 16:13)
The Holy Spirit is the truth revealer; past, present and future is related with Jesus.
4. Read verses 14,15. How will the Spirit bring glory to Jesus? (14) What is the purpose of the work of the Spirit? (14) Why does Jesus say ‘all that belongs to the Father is mine’? (15)
14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.
15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
4-1> How will the Spirit bring glory to Jesus? (14)
By taking what is Jesus’ and making it known to disciples.
The Holy Spirit always use what belong to Jesus such as Jesus’ word, Jesus’ miracles.
The Holy Spirit always makes Jesus known to disciples so that they can know Jesus personally.
4-2> What is the purpose of the work of the Spirit? (14)
The purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit is to bring glory to Jesus.
The Spirit never shines the spotlight on Himself but on Jesus.
The Holy Spirit constantly reveals Jesus; Jesus’ past, present and future.
4-3> Why does Jesus say ‘all that belongs to the Father is mine’? (15)
Because Jesus wanted his disciples to know that the Father and Jesus have the same possession. It shows their unity and intimacy.
All that belongs to the Father belongs to Jesus. (Jn 3:35; 5:20; 13:3; 17:10; Matt. 11:27).
Whatever belongs to the Father belongs to Jesus.
Whatever belongs to Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes it and makes it known to disciples.
All the wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus. (Col 2:3)
They Holy Spirit takes all the wisdom and knowledge in Jesus and makes them known to disciples so that they can know Jesus more deeply.
In conclusion, Jesus said, his departure is good for his disciples because of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will guide us all truth so that we can know the sin, righteousness and judgment of God. May God guide us into all truth through the Holy Spirit so that we can know Him and worship Him according to His way